How to Rotate Crops in Raised Beds

A photo of several garden raised beds in a lush garden. Each bed is filled with different crops, demonstrating the practice of rotating crops on garden beds.

Rotating your crops in a raised bed involves organization and refraining from planting a given family of plants in the same area each year. Soil is rested as different nutrients are utilized depending on the plants being grown. It also helps microbe diversity.

Do Raised Beds Attract Termites? Avoid this!

Close-up photo of crawling termites in a garden raised bed.

Raised beds do attracts termites and cause termite infestation. However, said infestation is heavily dependent on several conditions, such as the wood you used, the moisture levels of the raised bed itself as well as the general area of your garden, and the placement of the gardening bed.

How To Stake a Raised Garden Bed in 11 Steps

A photo of raised garden beds with a sturdy stake placed in one of them, ready for supporting plants. The raised garden bed stake ensures proper plant growth and stability.

Staking a raised garden bed involves driving stakes into the corners of the bed to keep the box secure.  The stakes support the raised garden bedsides and help keep the garden bed from slipping, which is important if you install it with an incline.

Soil Selection: The Missing Piece to a Beautiful Garden

Two individuals holding bags of garden soil and topsoil, comparing their differences.

The main difference between potting soil, topsoil, and garden soil is that it’s been specifically formulated for use in containers. Topsoil is usually processed to become finer to make it perfect for raised beds and seeds. Finally, garden soil is topsoil that has been enriched to make it optimal for plant growth.

Potting Mix vs Soil: Which is Better for Your Plants?

Hands holding potting soil vs. potting mix: A pair of hands holding two types of soil in separate containers, showcasing the difference between potting soil and potting mix.

There is a difference between potting soil and potting mix, even though these two terms are used interchangeably. Potting mix is a strictly soilless medium, whereas potting soil may or may not have soil. Because it does not include soil, it cannot harbor fungus or other diseases; for this reason, potting mix is safer for plants.

How to Grow Strawberries at Home

A man holding a large pot of strawberry plants with ripe red strawberries. Learn how to grow strawberries at home.

A comprehensive guide on how to grow strawberries at home, including tips on choosing the right variety of strawberry plant, planting and caring for them, and ensuring a bountiful harvest. The article also covers the three main categories of strawberry plants, including day-neutral, June-bearing, and everbearing.

How Long Do Parsnips Take To Grow At Home

A cluster of mature parsnip plants with leafy tops, representing the growth of parsnips at home.

Parsnips require similar care to their sister carrots, including deep, sandy loam oil. Their quality improves when harvested after a hard, killing frost. This same process of starch to sugar conversion caused by frost can be achieved if roots are refrigerated for a month before being consumed.

Simplify Gardening Acquires Greenthumbwhiteapron.com

A photo of Tony O'Neill, the renowned gardener from the Simplify Gardening community, standing proudly behind his enormous monster cabbage, weighing an impressive 67 pounds.

{“statusCode”:401,”message”:”License key missing”} I am pleased to announce that Simplify Gardening has acquired the very informative gardening website Greenthumbwhiteapron.com. For most of us, our gardens express our intimate relationship with nature, a relationship marked by continued discovery, awestruck respect, and deep appreciation. Gardening is my passion and allows me to lose myself in the garden. It can … Read more

How Do You Know When to Harvest Elephant Garlic?

A photo of a freshly harvested elephant garlic bulb lying on a wooden surface.

Harvest garlic when most of the leaves on have turned yellowish-brown and begin to flop over. Going by the standard guidelines, elephant garlic is usually planted in early fall and ready to pick between May and July the following year. For fall-planted garlic, this time is enough to split into cloves. However, spring-planted elephant garlic can be harvested after 90 days but will most likely be a single bulb.

Reliable Vegetable Garden Cost According To You!

A colorful assortment of fresh vegetables including tomatoes, peppers, carrots, cucumbers, and lettuce. Discover how much does a vegetable garden cost.

How much does a vegetable garden cost? It can vary greatly as no garden is identical, and also the resources required can vary on location, soil quality, preparation required, and what you wish to grow. But to answer this further, I asked 24 other gardeners to see what they spent when starting their vegetable gardens.

60 Top Gardening Tips For New Gardeners

A joyful woman with a wide smile tending to her garden, sharing valuable tips on new gardener.

My number one tip for new gardeners. Is to NEVER USE A Tiller until you have removed all the perennial weeds. New gardeners are usually told by well-meaning gardeners to use a Tiller to till the soil. This is a huge mistake as you will cut up perennial weeds making your issue a hundred times worse.

The Ultimate Guide to COVER CROPS

A row of vibrant legumes used as plants for cover crops, providing soil enrichment and weed suppression.

Cover crops are fast-growing plants that are grown to cover bare earth. They are not intended to be harvested and are grown for the improvement of soil quality. They have properties to help you build soil structure. Improving soil quality, water retention and nutrient density for the food you grow. They can save you money on fertilizer. And save you time on weeding as these crops will smoother all weeds preventing their growth. They will also help manage pests in the garden.

Gardening Jobs to Do in April

A person wearing gardening gloves planting colorful flowers in a garden bed. April gardening jobs to do.

Spring has sprung, and there’s growth all over your garden. All your hard work over the last three months will soon pay off — some of it already is. Keep on top of the chores to ensure a productive garden and avoid a snowball of work as growth increases. Consistent smaller steps make the journey … Read more

Gardening Jobs to Do in February

Gardening Jobs to Do in February: A landscape still covered in snow

Gardening Jobs To Do in February We’re only in our second month of the year and have already accomplished so much. Temperatures remain relatively unchanged, but at least we’re edging closer toward the last frost date, the key indicator for outdoor planting. For those living in regions where the last frost date is around late … Read more

Gardening Jobs to Do in November

Gardening Jobs November: Raking fallen leaves in a backyard garden to prepare for winter.

As the weather gets colder and the days become shorter, it may be tempting to let your garden rest until spring. However, there are still many tasks, such as planting vibrant winter flowers, preparing your garden for next year’s seasons, and completing a general cleanup that you will appreciate later. Also, consider the wildlife that … Read more

Strong Winds? No Problem! Secure Your Polytunnel

Tony O'Neill confidently secures his polytunnel against strong winds, using sturdy straps and anchors.

The fight to keep Polytunnels grounded in the face of storms is continuous – until it is solved. Here we explore how to keep your Polytunnel, with its low size-to-weight ratio, from being blown away by the powerful and often destructive force – wind. We take a brief look at the science behind it and then look at how to mitigate the risk factors.

Compost 101: How to Get it Right for Your Plants

Two hands holding compost with unbroken down compost in the background, showcasing Composting 101.

Compost fosters bacteria that are used for breaking down organic matter. However, excessive amounts will cause it to be anaerobic. Applying too much compost to plants will cause them to be more prone to diseases, making it necessary to apply only one inch of compost per year on top of your plants.

5 Methods of Growing Mushrooms

A collage of images showcasing different methods of growing mushrooms.

There are several methods to grow mushrooms. They can either be grown from Spawn, on Logs, in plastic bags with Straws, Spores or simply through ready-to-use mushroom growing kits.

The Ultimate Guide to Back to Eden Gardening

A gardener in a sunhat gently tending to her plants, preparing them for planting in her backyard using the back to Eden gardening method.

Back to Eden, gardening is a natural method of growing vegetables, plants, and herbs in the way nature intended plants to grow, which is referred to as permaculture. It is the perfect way to start an organic garden because it requires little to no watering, no tilling, and no weeding. Additionally, this gardening method increases soil organic matter, reduces erosion, and sequesters carbon in the soil.

25 Best Landscaping Rocks for Creative Gardens

A stunning garden showcasing the best landscaping rocks for your garden. The rocks are strategically placed amidst vibrant flowers, creating a harmonious and visually appealing landscape.

Our gardening and landscaping guide will explore different types of stones and landscaping ideas you can use for specific types. Remember, people began using rocks to decorate their homesteads and gardens at the beginning of time. Take your time and learn to integrate different types of landscaping rocks into your garden designs with ease.

How to Water Houseplants While Away on Vacation

A person holding a watering can, carefully watering their houseplants. They are demonstrating how to water houseplants while away on vacation.

Sometimes if you are a forgetful gardener, you might forget to have a watering schedule for your plants. This scenario remains worse if you are in the middle of packing and planning a holiday. Just like pets, your plants also rely on you for water, especially if they are indoors.

15 Shrubs to Grow in Shady Areas

A healthy shrub displaying vibrant growth despite being in a shaded area. Ideal for shrubs to grow in shady areas.

Your garden can still be colorful, even if it’s primarily shady. Many lovely plants will thrive in your garden under a giant shade tree or flower beds, hanging baskets, and containers.

Soil Vs. Hydroponics? Which is BEST?

A vibrant array of vegetables thriving in a hydroponics system, showcasing the advantages of soil vs hydroponics.

Hydroponics is superior for gardeners. Hydroponics offers less daily maintenance, tighter control over nutrition, elimination of almost all sources of disease, more precise control over the use of water. Year-long growth cycles. The only drawback may be the initial investment costs.

What Are Grow Bags? Pros and Cons Of Using Them

A photo of a healthy plant growing in a grow bag, showcasing the pros and cons of using grow bags.

They are fabric bags that most people use to hold soil when gardening in limited spaces. They provide gardeners with an alternative to traditional containers that often occupy the largest space. With grow bags, you can maintain fresh soil for your plants to grow.

Why Do Tomatoes Split on the Plant? (Effective Control)

A photo of a ripe tomato with a split, showcasing the phenomenon of tomato splitting.

Tomatoes split on the plant due to fast, sudden growth. The flesh increases in size, and the skin cannot keep up. It happens when tomatoes are overwatered either manually or by a heavy downpour after being allowed to dry out. Prevent by ensuring the plants remain moist.

Should You Remove Old Mulch? Here’s the Deal.

A gardener mulching her plant in the garden, wondering, "Should you remove old mulch?"

Old mulch does not usually need to be removed and is often acceptable to leave undisturbed. It should be removed if it is infected with fungi or if the plants it surrounded were diseased. You’ll want to check the mulch to ensure it is effective and hasn’t matted itself down, choking off your plants’ access to air and water. 

Do Fruit Trees Grow in Clay Soil? (It Depends)

A vibrant image showcasing lush orange trees growing in a vast field. These fruitful trees thrive in clay soil, defying the odds with their flourishing presence.

Although most fruit trees will grow in clay soil. Stone or Pome fruit such as apple peach, cherry, pears, and nectarines have the best chances of thriving in clay soil. They require at least 3 feet of topsoil in order for good root growth. If clay soil is dense adjust it with gypsum and compost.

Do Compost Bins Attract Rats? How to Prevent It!

A plastic compost bin in a backyard garden, with organic waste and garden trimmings inside. Does the compost bin attract rats?

The process within compost bins helps organic matter break naturally into elements that enrich the soil and encourage beneficial bacteria and fungi. This, in turn, produces an earthy smell that attracts rats and other rodents. One of the main ways to avoid having rat infestations is to refrain from putting food waste into your compost bins.

Prevent Leaf Mulch Blowing Away With These 5 Tips

A pile of leaves being gathered into a mulch, held together to prevent leaf mulch from blowing away.

Leaf mulch is a great tool for gardeners. It keeps the soil at a more consistent temperature, but it also improves soil fertility. One of the issues with leaf mulch is that it can blow away in windy conditions. The best way to prevent this from occurring is by using stalks and sticks to hold down the leaf mulch.

How To Control Allium Leaf Miner. Protect Your Plants!

Close-up photo of an Allium leaf miner larva, a pest that damages Allium plants, positioned on a decaying leaf. Learn effective methods to control Allium leaf miner and protect your plants from infestation.

How to control allium leaf miner? The only surefire way to control allium leaf miner is to cover the plants before they are affected. Enviromesh, insect mesh or even fleece can be used with great effect. Prevention is much better than cure. If crops do have allium leaf miner the safest bet is to burn and destroy the plant to prevent its spread.

The Best Way to Plant Potatoes? Sprout Them!

A gardener holding potato sprouts ready for planting, demonstrating the best way to plant potatoes.

Sprouting seed potatoes will cause them to be ready earlier in the season. It can also increase the size and weight of the harvest. But not all potatoes require to be sprouted. Early varieties, those with a short growing season are planted early and benefit from sprouting before putting in the soil. Later varieties don’t gain much growth due to the warm temperatures already present.

Is Epsom Salt Good For Plants?

A photo of a wooden bowl filled with Epsom salt and a wooden spoon resting on top.

Is Epsom salt good for plants? Yes, Epsom salt is an ideal product to use for your plants. We all know Plants need Magnesium to be healthy and Epsom salt is made from Magnesium Sulfate and Sulfur. This is absorbed by the plant’s root system making them stronger and much more resistant to pests and diseases. It increases growth and produces larger vegetables and blooms.

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